When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey guys, just bought myself a new DD. I have a couple questions that i KNOW you guys will be able to answer, but first, the reason you all clicked this thread...PICS
Ok, now that that's out of the way, some info on my car. 1993 spent most of it's life in Florida, owned by a gentleman from Indianapolis. As far as i know i am the third owner. 173k when i bought it. I've already addressed some simple items such as bulbs, fuses, and fluid levels. I had the car up on a lift and it looks great underneath, save for some gunk near the lower steering shaft (possible leak?)
Questions:
1. Car feels a bit squishy. needs struts in the rear, and the front, but not as much. So the question is, how hard of a job is this? if i can buy pre-assembled struts front and rear, what is the level of difficulty on replacing them? Would i be better off buying some aftermarket coilovers? Is there a tech section in this forum? I've done some browsing, but can't seem to find anything resembling a detailed write-up on replacing struts.
2. Wheels and tires. What newer stock take-offs will fit? not looking to drop a bunch of coin into this car. i understand 5x114.3, but what offset and hub bore am i looking for? Will newer model LS/GS/IS wheels fit this car?
3. Anyone have a good recommendation on where to buy OEM and/or JDM parts? Mainly things like headlights, front turn signal/side marker clear lenses?
I'm sure i'll have more questions, but thanks in advance for the help!
welcome and nice car! always start with the FAQ, and i also recommend checking out the UCF20 FAQ as well to learn more.
1. squishy ride means your shocks are probably blown as you pointed out. see the FAQ as pointed out by rugbydad. also check for worn strut rod bushings up front, all in FAQ. coilovers i only recommend for folks who want to go low since you will loose that lexus plush ride comfort.
2. the FAQ also addresses this but pretty much all OEM lexus/toyota wheels that are 5x114 fit decently. you don't have to worry about brake clearance since 95-up models have the bigger calipers. check out the wheel thread for more pictures.
3. most aftermarket parts such as lights are bought on ebay, same as jdm one-piece units. for aftermarket rare parts like grills and body kits, follow finalstageparts on IG.
I'm thinking there might be some more work parts in the front suspension. Tie rods were replaced 10k ago. Anything else i should check besides strut bushings? I'm going to look into buying some lowering springs and struts and do the labor myself. Those write-ups in the FAQ are great!
squishy ride might be stock, its a pretty squishy car!!
Check out youtube for wheeler Dealers lexus transformation, give you a good idea on some upgrades, car looks excellent! Lots of great rims you can get for the car, current ones look good though!
Clean LS!. I recently replaced struts on my LS with kyb's myself, it was time consuming, took me almost all day. You can rent strut compressor from auto parts store and all you need is an impact gun. Rear ones can be tedious since you need to remove back seats.
I believe you can fit any toyota/lexus wheels. I got lucky and got SC430 wheels from a member here and it looks awesome.
09-05-14, 12:52 AM
My First Lexus: 1993 LS400
